DVSA Launches Beta MOT Reminder Service

Service Launched Due To High Percentage Of Overdue MOTs

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has launched a free MOT reminder service, available via email or text message.

Motorists who opt-in to the service will get a reminder through their chosen method of communication, one month before their MOT is due. If the car still hasn’t been tested two weeks before its MOT is due, another reminder will be sent out.

The annual reminder service is in response to DVSA research which found that 28 percent of cars are overdue an MOT. To set up the service, drivers just need the vehicle’s number plate and a working mobile phone number or email address. Users must unsubscribe if they have sold the vehicle, transferred it to someone else, scrapped the vehicle, written it off or registered it as off the road/declared it SORN.

If a motorist is found to not have a valid MOT certificate, they can be fined up to £1,000 – the only exceptions are if the vehicle is being driven to a (pre-arranged) MOT test, or being driven to or from somewhere to be repaired.

Transport Minister, Baroness Sugg, said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world, but we are always looking at ways to make them even safer.

“Booking your next MOT is easy to overlook but it plays an important role in making sure the vehicles on our roads are safe and meeting high environmental standards.

“Getting a text or email will serve as a useful prompt to make sure people get their vehicle checked out on time.”

“The annual MOT checks that important parts of your vehicle meet the legal standards at the time of the test.

“Motorists should also remember that to be a safe and responsible driver, and reduce the risk of your vehicle’s condition causing an accident that kills or seriously injures someone, you need to check your vehicle all year round.”

What text message MOT reminders look like

Why This Is Good News For Motor Traders

The service, which was officially launched on 13th November 2017, aims to reduce the percentage of cars on the road that do not have valid and in-date MOT certificates. This means that motor traders, such as mechanics that offer MOTs, could see an uptake in business and potentially more regular repeat business.

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